ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has said that books can be written about what happened to journalists in Pakistan.
He made these remarks during the hearing of a case related to FIA notices issued to journalists.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa conducted the hearing.
At the start of the hearing, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan and Supreme Court Counsel for the Press Corporation Barrister Salahuddin came to the stand.
In his remarks, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa said that a two-member panel took cognizance in 2021 and then the case was referred to a five-member panel, but it is still inconclusive.
In his conversation with advocate Haider Waheed, the CJP remarked that we will not allow anyone to use this court.
“You talk about media regulation. Do you have a case for freedom of the press or some other agenda,” the chief justice asked.
“When was the FIR initiated against journalist Imran Shafqat,” the CJP asked.
The Attorney General replied that an FIR against Imran Shafqat has been registered with the PTI government. He made vlogs against state institutions.
The CJP said that everyone knows how such FIRs are initiated. “Is there a solid case against Imran Shafqat?” Has he committed some serious crime,” asked the chief justice.
The Attorney General responded that there was nothing solid in this case and Imran Shafqat had not committed any serious crime.
The FIA has assured the court that it will withdraw the cases against Imran Shafqat and Amir Mir.
Barrister Salahuddin said the FIA has the power to arrest anyone after a case has been opened and is being used to suppress journalists.
“Section 20 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) is often misused against journalists,” said Barrister Salahuddin.
The hearing was later adjourned to March 27.
